The Kansas City Chiefs have been off to a red-hot start to the season, going 4-0 heading into the bye week and looking like they could be the best team in football. The offense is humming behind superstar running back Kenneth Walker and a resurgent Patrick Mahomes. Kansas City looks to refresh its roster during the bye and keep winning through the next 13 games.
Despite a great start to the season, the Chiefs' roster still has room for improvement. The wide receiver room is banged up, and questions remain at offensive tackle. But arguably the worst-performing position on the Chiefs' roster has been the safeties, and the answer may already be on the roster.
Xavier Nwankpa deserves a closer look
Xavier Nwankpa may be one of the lesser-known names on the Chiefs' roster, but he is one who may very well deserve a chance. Entering the 2026 NFL Draft, most analysts graded Nwankpa as a fourth- or fifth-round prospect who could be an impact player on day one. But he fell out of the draft and became one of the Chiefs' top post-draft priority pickups as a UDFA.
Welcome to the NFL Xavier Nwankpa
— Clint Goss (@NFLDraftDome) October 4, 2026
Hyped the Iowa S up as a potential LB convert but hell he’s making a game-winning play for the Chiefs’ secondary
Raiders future is so bright pic.twitter.com/4V8rZ889k4
Nwankpa is a former five-star recruit who was a three-year starter for the Hawkeyes. He showed incredible play strength and could play in a loaded box, make tackles in space, and excel in zone coverage. Nwankpa's primary concerns come in man coverage, where he struggled at times, especially against quicker slot receivers who can win with lateral routes across his face.
So far in his NFL career, Nwankpa has only gotten one snap, on which he forced a game-winning interception against the Raiders. That's not enough to tell you how he will play as a full-time NFL player, but based on his college tape and the Chiefs' early-season struggles, he may be worth a shot.
Xavier Nwankpa LEVELS Mendoza with a huge LEGAL hit that turns heated on the Indiana sideline pic.twitter.com/xA5nNgajL1
— Heavens! (@HeavensFX) September 27, 2025
Kansas City has seen a lot of change on defense, with some major investments up front and the selection of star cornerback Mansoor Delane with the sixth overall pick. Kansas City is looking to run a lot of man coverage on defense, and Nwankpa's ability to make an impact in the box could be valuable. The Chiefs also like to run some Cover 2, and Nwankpa excelled in that role in college.
Everything seems to have played out for Nwankpa to find some playing time. The Chiefs picked him up because they knew he fit the scheme and, if he developed well, could contribute. So far, Nwankpa has been a key part of the Chiefs' special teams unit and one of its best players. Now, with the Chiefs' safeties struggling, it is time to give Nwankpa a shot.
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